Government supports the review of the EU regulatory framework for privacy and electronic communications

Government supports the review of the EU regulatory framework for privacy and electronic communications

The Finnish Government welcomes the proposal by the European Union Commission to review the regulatory framework for privacy and electronic communications as it would promote confidentiality and protection of privacy in electronic communications. The proposal would also promote responsible digital business activities and services.

The Government submitted a communication on the matter to Parliament on 16 February 2017.

In January 2017, the European Commission submitted a proposal to replace the Directive on privacy and electronic communications (e-privacy) with a Regulation that aims to protect the confidentiality and protection of privacy in electronic communications.

The Finnish Government considers the basis and aims of the proposed regulation justified as they support the implementation of the fundamental rights and the aims of the Government Programme in accordance with the National Information Security Strategy. The Commission’s proposal would improve consistent application and interpretation of the regulatory framework in the Union.

Discussion on the Commission’s regulation proposal will begin this spring. According to the proposal the regulation would be applied from May 2018.